This blog is a result of the heavy censoring of the media by the military dictatorship regime.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Fight for top job ends with Fiji police chief using decree to sack deputy

Out of a job: Isikeli Ligairi at right.

The bitter feud and jostling for senior authority between two of Fiji police's top brass has ended with one of them being sacked for insubordination.Acting Police Commissioner, Ravi Narayan, and assistant commissioner of police, Isikeli Ligairi, have been at war since last year when Ligairi was away on a mission in Sudan and Narayan was made acting deputy commissioner, even though he was 57, and there were repeated calls for him to be sent home.Narayan this week dismissed Ligairi citing the regime's 2013

Narayan: accused of abuse of power

Constitution, which allows him to hire, fire and discipline as he sees fit, saying every officer is expected to display loyalty and uphold the law.Insiders, however, say Narayan has abused his power to get the 'real deputy commissioner' out.

Narayan was made acting deputy commissioner by former police chief, Ioane Naivalurua, who is now ambassador at large after the regime failed to renew his contract last year.Readers will recall earlier C4.5 stories that Narayan was as unpopular as Naivalurua, with officers saying he wormed his way into the senior position by backstabbing Ligairi and dismissing a number of senior officers when they turned 55, as decreed by the regime, but keeping himself in the job.

Insiders say Narayan's term as commissioner was to have ended last year but he survived the chop by lobbying the Minister of Defence to confirm him as deputy chief, in Ligairi's absence.

They say police
protocol clearly states this is in breach of the Police Act as Narayan was over 55 at the time.

He had been told by the Permanent Secretary for the Public Service that his contract would not be renewed but worked for two months without pay until the Minister of Defence confirmed him
as deputy and he was made Acting Commissioner of
Police.

Insiders say Ligairi, who is believed to be in his 40s, and Narayan squared off last year in November when they both applied and were overlooked for the role of new Commissioner, both bombarding the selection panel with claims and counter claims.

Ligairi took one and a half months leave then resumed duties just two months ago but continued to dispute the 58 year old Narayan's appointment.

Both knew of course that one of them would have to step down with the pending appointment of the new commissioner.

Insiders meanwhile claim Narayan has also been questioned by senior officers over trying to have his son's assault case dismissed or delayed and the file subsequently going missing.

While there is fallout over the dismissal, again showing the ongoing divisions that led to Naivalurua losing his job, moles say Frank Bainimarama is wary of bringing the new police chief in before the elections, especially with the four complaints against him for breaching the election decrees, and with Ligairi gone, Narayan has a safe passage to the end of the year.

Update: Friday 10.50am The regime has announced thi

New COMPOL: Ben Groenewald pic The Jet

s morning it has appointed a former member of South Africa's Defence and Security Forces, Ben Groenewald, as police commissioner. Groenewald was in the police force for 42 years and retired in 2010 but has been head of security and safety for former presidents and has overseen the security details of events, such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Another strategy by Bainimarama toget the Indian votes on his side?Ok macafaka, time for all Fijiansto block-votes and put SODELPA inpower?Let make sure these bastards gets what they deserved-a noose aroung their necks!

Editor, When I took up the Fiji Times invitation to "enlarge this image" of former prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka (FT 2/5) I saw the picture of a humble and affable old man. I contrast this image with that of a young, bombastic Rabuka making a strident - noqu kalou noqu vanua * - speech from the balcony of the Suva Civic Center after his military takeover of government in 1987. At that time he was all so powerful and felt the world or at least Fiji was at his feet. Today Rabuka has become a virtual nobody in the political life of the country. It's a huge come down. He recognizes that . That's why he says he now plans to live the rest of his life as a "non politician". I wish him well in his twilight years. There must be a lesson in there - in the rise and fall of Rabuka - for other political leaders in Fiji to keep in mind. The good time in politics does not last forever. sincerely, Rajend Naidu sydney

Bainimarama has been in power for 8 years and despite his claims Fiji has at best stagnated but in many areas it has gone backwards.

What started out as a SIMPLE CLEAN UP has turned into a SELF-STYLED REVOLUTION. Why the change of name.

A successful clean up would see the END OF CORRUPTION and prosecutions of senior ministers from previous governments. Instead we have seen an almost total failure to root out the alleged corruption of the Qarase era. Whilst we now see so many REGIME INSIDERS and family members living the high-life thanks to the REVOLUTION and rampant NEPOTISM.

I Taukei get together and block vote SODELPA and get rid of the illegal regime.Indians - 30 % voting for Bai the rest to NFP, Labour & PDP. The regime got rid of GCC and Methodist so it is our time to pay back.

What a waste..Ligairi is one of the top seasoned policeman Fiji has ever known. What are pity that a flimsy excuse could be used to destroy his career. I can't believe that someone in an acting capacity could destroy someoneelses lifeline. ..only in Fiji I guess. I hope that Ligairi will fight back. Obviously right now, every appointment is politically motivated, so if you're an academic then forget about a future in fiji. To those who continue to ignore natural justice, remember..what goes around comes around!

@Professor of Kamasutra Dr Mahendra Kumar, word has it that he is starting the Fiji Sex Party to contest this year's election. Mahendra father-in-law and coup sycophant, Davendra Pathik is the party president. The good professor Kumar is the party leader. The Fiji Sex Party is modelled after Australian Sex Party, where mahendra and davendra recuperate.

Again, proof that you guys have no idea what is going on. So Ravi Narayan will be Police Commissioner to the end of the year? Wanna make a bet on it? Your "moles" are wrong and you are about to get egg all over your faces. But what's new about that?

Hahaha, Fiji Sex Party good idea! who better to lead it than Professor of Kamasutra Dr Mahendra Kumar, and father-in-law and Davendra Pathik? Berenado Vunibobo is a must for this party too. he has good experience in Bangkok.

Would just like to share my view on the probable outcome of the upcoming election. The election will be a showdown between Fiji First and NFP. Labour is nothing without Chaudhry and SODELPA is nothing without Qarase. Majority Fijians will vote for Fiji First while a few sour grapes will vote SODELPA. Majority Indian votes will go NFP while a few stupid Labour loyalists will vote Labour. The main showdown will be determined by Fiji First and NFP. The voter preferences are hanging onto these poles. While we may blindly predict SODELPA and Labour, we have to understand that they are now just noise makers and big showoffs betting on past achievements. For SODELPA, there is no way you can compare Temumu Kepa to Qarase and for Labour, there is no way you can substitute Mahen. So there two will be out of the race in 2014 SO IT MEANS THE END FOR THE TWO PARTIES. Substance is now with Fiji First and NFP so goes the sift of our polarized political landscape. This is just my view.

In a true democratic system, Minister are accountable as seen in report below, happening in NZ.....they admit their mistakes and resign....NOT IN FIJI where Ministers make laws by decrees then they break them willy nilly...like EyeArse and Bhai..what a group of unaccountable corrupt louts :

Five ministers who resigned this term04:01 Fri May 2 2014AAP

FIVE MINISTERS WHO RESIGNED THIS TERM* Nick Smith resigned all his cabinet portfolios in 2012 after admitting he intervened on the behalf of a friend who was involved in a dispute with ACC, while he was ACC minister. He was reinstated to Cabinet in 2013.* Kate Wilkinson quit as labour minister in 2012 following the release of the report from the Royal Commission on the Pike River Coal Mine tragedy. She's said she'll step down as an MP at the 2014 election.* United Future leader Peter Dunne resigned as a minister in 2013 over the leaking of a sensitive report on the GCSB. He was reinstated as a minister earlier this year.* ACT Party MP John Banks stood down as a minister in 2013 after a judge ruled he should stand trial on charge of filing a false electoral return for his failed 2010 Auckland supercity mayoralty campaign. He will leave parliament at the 2014 election.* Maurice Williamson resigned as a minister on Thursday after it emerged he phoned police about a case involving wealthy Chinese businessman Donghua Liu, whom Mr Williamson knew and had helped gain citizenship in 2010.

In a true democratic system, Minister are accountable as seen in report below, happening in NZ.....they admit their mistakes and resign....NOT IN FIJI where Ministers make laws by decrees then they break them willy nilly...like EyeArse and Bhai..what a group of unaccountable corrupt louts :

Five ministers who resigned this term04:01 Fri May 2 2014AAP

FIVE MINISTERS WHO RESIGNED THIS TERM* Nick Smith resigned all his cabinet portfolios in 2012 after admitting he intervened on the behalf of a friend who was involved in a dispute with ACC, while he was ACC minister. He was reinstated to Cabinet in 2013.* Kate Wilkinson quit as labour minister in 2012 following the release of the report from the Royal Commission on the Pike River Coal Mine tragedy. She's said she'll step down as an MP at the 2014 election.* United Future leader Peter Dunne resigned as a minister in 2013 over the leaking of a sensitive report on the GCSB. He was reinstated as a minister earlier this year.* ACT Party MP John Banks stood down as a minister in 2013 after a judge ruled he should stand trial on charge of filing a false electoral return for his failed 2010 Auckland supercity mayoralty campaign. He will leave parliament at the 2014 election.* Maurice Williamson resigned as a minister on Thursday after it emerged he phoned police about a case involving wealthy Chinese businessman Donghua Liu, whom Mr Williamson knew and had helped gain citizenship in 2010.

In a true democratic system, Minister are accountable as seen in report below, happening in NZ.....they admit their mistakes and resign....NOT IN FIJI where Ministers make laws by decrees then they break them willy nilly...like EyeArse and Bhai..what a group of unaccountable corrupt louts :

Five ministers who resigned this term04:01 Fri May 2 2014AAP

FIVE MINISTERS WHO RESIGNED THIS TERM* Nick Smith resigned all his cabinet portfolios in 2012 after admitting he intervened on the behalf of a friend who was involved in a dispute with ACC, while he was ACC minister. He was reinstated to Cabinet in 2013.* Kate Wilkinson quit as labour minister in 2012 following the release of the report from the Royal Commission on the Pike River Coal Mine tragedy. She's said she'll step down as an MP at the 2014 election.* United Future leader Peter Dunne resigned as a minister in 2013 over the leaking of a sensitive report on the GCSB. He was reinstated as a minister earlier this year.* ACT Party MP John Banks stood down as a minister in 2013 after a judge ruled he should stand trial on charge of filing a false electoral return for his failed 2010 Auckland supercity mayoralty campaign. He will leave parliament at the 2014 election.* Maurice Williamson resigned as a minister on Thursday after it emerged he phoned police about a case involving wealthy Chinese businessman Donghua Liu, whom Mr Williamson knew and had helped gain citizenship in 2010.

Got the stop watch out? It now takes less than a day for Coup 4.5 to be exposed for its ignorance. "Narayan has safe passage to the end of the year". Now on the front page of the Fiji Sun this morning:

"The new Commissioner of Police is South African Major-General (retired) Ben Groenewald. The 64-year-old career policeman, who worked under apartheid and Nelson Mandela’s rule, arrives next month to start work".

Why don't you guys just give up and stop trying to con everyone with your "journalism". Totally useless.

The Fijian Government announces the appointment of Mr Bernadus (Ben) Groenewald to the position of Commissioner of the Fiji Police Force.

The decision to appoint Mr Groenewald is line with the 2013 Constitution and in accordance with the appointment process by the Constitutional Offices Commission.

A South Africa national, Mr Groenewald has served extensively in South Africa’s Defence and Security forces. He served 42 years in the South African Police Service and retired in 2010 at the rank of Major-General. He was also the commanding officer of the South African police academy. As a senior police officer, he has also been responsible as the head of the security and safety of former Presidents of South Africa and has overseen the security detail of various global events, such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has welcomed the appointment saying Mr Groenewald brings with him a level of experience and professionalism that will serve the Fijian people well.

“The Fijian Government is confident that Mr Groenewald’s track record will strengthen the work undertaken by the Fiji Police Force”.

Anon@9.59am You sound so wretched over C4.5. I don't see the story you're talking about on Fiji Sun but like anon@2.56am I understand what the story says - Narayan is safe as Deputy Commissioner with Ligairi out of the way. Anyway why so uptight about C4.5, haven't you got anything better going on in your life to be spitting so much aggro so early in the morning? Like others here i want to move towards a more peaceful and united Fiji. Why not come board the peace vessel instead of just coming here to eat C4.5's head. God bless Fiji.

Not surprising that Ligairi got sacked!...One has to abuse his powers to displace another who really is truely qualified for the position. I gather the appointment of a South African fella is another of Bainimarama's ploy to bury the dirt that is a norm in Fiji politics. Narayan sacked his deputy for a position he did not deserve...Time is a healer and only time will tell

LIGAIRI'S SACKING COMES AS NO SURPRISE..JUST IN TIME WHEN THE NEW COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IS ANNOUNCED..AND HE STARTS ON MAY THE 14..REMEMBER THIS DAY IN 1987? I may be sensationalizing this, but it is something to consider

South African Groenewald is Fiji’s Police Chief09:46 Today

Incoming Police Commissioner Bernadus Groenewald and his wife Louise hosted by the Fiji Mission in Pretoria, South AfricaTaken from/By: Photo suppliedReport by: Elenoa TuragaiviuThe Fijian government has appointed South African Bernadus Groenewald to the position of Commissioner of the Fiji Police Force.A statement from Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says the decision to appoint Groenewald is line with the 2013 Constitution and in accordance with the appointment process by the Constitutional Offices Commission.Groenewald has served extensively in South Africa’s Defence and Security forces.He served 42 years in the South African Police Service and retired in 2010 at the rank of Major-General.He was also the commanding officer of the South African police academy.As a senior police officer, he has also been responsible as the head of the security and safety of former Presidents of South Africa and has overseen the security detail at various global events.Bainimarama has welcomed the appointment saying Groenewald’s background would add value to Fiji’s Police Force.He says the Fijian Government is confident that Groenewald’s track record will strengthen the work undertaken by the Fiji Police Force”.The new police commissioner will begin work on the 14th of May.- See more at: http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/19585/south-african-groenewald-is-fiji’s-police-chief#sthash.PA8TWawM.jWmyDuo4.dpuf

So essentially we had an employment dispute and Narayan called on the good old Constitution to get rid of the competition. He is only doing what Voreqe and Khaiyum and their cronies have been doing. Why can't Fiji citizens find something in the Constitution to help them stand up to the illegal government?

From what I gather Ben Groenewald has been in these shores or was here earlier on at least for some time so don't know why regime was so slow in naming him. Typically,they got so many agendas going. Looks like the publicity over Ligairi's unprecedented sacking has pushed their hand.

Exactly @ 1055am.. Ligairi recently returned from an overseas deployment then gets a sack makes the air smell awful. Narayan is no doubt threatened by this Ligairi dude who in my opinion is well qualified even for the top job.Fiji has become a den of vipers!

In an open democratic society, it would have been public knowledge that the government was advertising and interviewing for the polcom position. This is not imformation a blogsite should have to ferret out.

This is not a matter of C4.5 ignorance; it's a matter of regime secrecy that now mocks its earlier pledges of transparency.

Hahaha. So funny to see you losers squirm and twist in the breeze trying to cover up the fact that you got caught with your pants down with the POLCOM announcement and all your BS speculation was wrong. Fortunately even the dumbest ordinary voter in Fiji is ten times smarter than you morons living overseas.

Narayan must consider himself an integral part of the regime to fight so hard for the job using the Constitution. He must also consider himself untouchable to be turning to the Constitution. Anyway the sacking would not have happened without Khaiyum and Bainimarama knowing.

What is wrong with being 64? "Well past retirement age" my foot. As long as this South African is fit and can kick arse, good luck to him. It was a good move to get someone from outside and this guy will have lots of experience with dealing with some real bad asses. After South Africa, Fiji will be a holiday. The rest of the police force better watch out.

Can fiji media please ask Mr Groenewald why he took the job? Fiji is off the beaten track, really despite what we and government thinks. I mean it's not Brazil although Fiji had its share of poverty and ultimately we are a military dictatorship. Why would someone with international credentials sign up with an army driven government that keeps people compliant via the gun and decrees? Usually, money drives people with his background, is this the case here? Of course, he is entitled to take jobs where he wants that.scehat triubleshooters do, so what will he do for Fiji? Is the regime expecting trouble leading up to and at election, and aftermath?

The New Polcom will be delighted to receive his job cut out for him. He is 64 yrs old - do you you think he gives a shit about the police force, definitely not!. This is what retirees do! Enjoy paradise and make a bit of money!

They couldn't have made it any more obvious - bring in a South African ex police and defence turned security troubleshooter to control any dissent leading up to and after the elections. How low this regime stoops.

Fed up with all this prejudice against older people. At 64, this guy is at the peak of his powers when it comes to experience. For God's sake, he has been a Major General in the South Africa Police, has survived the transition between the former white rulers and the black majority, was kept on by Mandela and ran the security for the Soccer World Cup. Who else in Fiji has done anything like that? Wake up and stop being so bloody ageist. 64 isn't old these days. In Australia, they are about to raise the retirement age to 70. Give this guy a break.

@ 2.40 Australia is raising the retirement age because of budget cuts not because people will get smarter. The chances of a higher IQ does not increase with age, dementia does - remember the last president of Fiji? The new Polcom might be very experienced but so did Ratu Iloilo!Get my drift!

We could have spent money on one of our own rather than some "old fart" from overseas. The Polcom choice should have been local.We have so much talent in the police force, however the regime would rather protect it's back from the ultimate shame, particularly the breach of the electoral decree.

Former Fijian Prime Minister and Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Pal Chaudhry has been ordered by the High Court in Suva to pay a $2 million fine by June 30, 2014.

If he fails to pay up, he faces 15 months jail, and he will only be eligible for parole after serving 12 months.

Presiding Judge Justice Paul Madigan also ordered Chaudhry to comply with the Exchange Control Act and repatriate his funds to a local dealer by July 31.

Prohibitions placed on his funds offshore have been lifted while Chaudhry continues to be barred from travelling overseas until his fine is paid or sentence is served.

Chaudhry was convicted early last month on three counts of violating the Exchange Control Act with respect to $A1.5 million he had invested offshore without the knowledge and approval of local authorities. Reacting after the decision, Chaudhry told FijiLive he was feeling relieved as the case had been ongoing for four years.

"I am relieved but I cannot say that this is the end of my political career." He said his lawyers will need to study the sentencing document and they will advise him on the next step to be taken. Meanwhile, FLP president Lavinia Padarath when approached to comment on Chaudhry's leadership status with the party said they will be issuing a statement on the matter soon.

Those opposed to ageism should save their ire for the leaders of the regime. They are the ones who decreed in April 2009 that public servants must retire at age 55. To make matters even more unfair, the decree was given effect (not in real law, but by a gun) almost immediately.

The same decree exempts top civil servants, such as the Commander of the Military Forces, the Commissioner of Police and Auditor General, who it says shall retire at age 65.

But if Groenewald is 64, then that means he's required to retire within no more than a few months at the latest.

if mahendra chaudhry was given millions by indians so he and his family could settle in aust--why was the money not returned ti india when MP decided to stay put in fiji-in fact he never intended to stay in aust.-or why was the money not distributed to poor farmers?why did he give 50k to his daughter.and where did his son get the money to buy his house in aust?-and why is the DPP not charging the delinquent son RP for contempt? the fine is too low-should have been 3m + 9 months jail.What say RP?-get out of fijileaks.

Chaudhry is a real blood sucker - taking out millions of dollars from a poor, starving country like India. Everyone donates money to india. Mahen takes money our of India. That's what a 'genius' he is!

All the comments relating to Mr Ligairi's sacking are inaccurate and prejudicial. The Fiji Police Force establishment has two Deputy Commissioner's Posts. One was held by Ligairi and the other Post was held by Ravi Narayan which was approved by the Minister for Defence. When Brig-Gen Ioane Naivalurua's contract was not renewed, The Minister appointed Deputy Commissioner Ravi Narayan to Acting Commissioner. To cut a long story short Acting Commissioner Ravi Narayan is the most experienced and most senior Police Officer currently serving in the Force. Having served his way through the ranks held the post of DCID and served as a DPC. He has an impeccable record in Police criminal investigations amongst them head of the successful agricultural scam investigation and many other serious cases. The current crop of senior ranks including Ligairi do not even match his record. Acting Commissioner Narayan also has a clean record rooted in his faith integrity and loyalty to serve. As the Acting Commissioner he was well within his constitutional powers not the Decree as stated to sack Ligairi for insubordination. It is a fact that Mr Ligairi did not support Acting Commissioner Narayan which was detrimental to good order and discipline within the Force. All commentators should shut up if you do not know the facts period.

Frank didn't like Andrew Hughes, because he did his job professionally. If this new guy from South Africa steps out of line, he will be turfed out of Fiji as well. I hope that somebody in Fiji makes allegations of abuse etc. against the prisoners her were beaten up by Fiji Police and Soldiers. This will be his litmus test! Perhaps he could start with the explosion of the helicopter off Nadi and the subsequent death of the Australian Pilot on the 6th. of December 2006! Let's also see if he has the balls to arrest Frank for breaking the Regime's own decrees in regards to electioneering prior to having the required number of Party Members.

2 million is peanuts for chaudhry--he will pay the fine from money that was never meant for him in the first place--and have a good sum left over.--thanls to the idiots in Hariyan--the land of his forefathers !!

I dunno if the comments regarding Ligairi's sacking were inaccurate and prejudicial or not. I do know Narayan didn't do his duty by arresting Bainimarama and the other chief crims. I'm not saying it would have been easy. But that doesn't change the fact that it was his duty, and he didn't perform it, to his lasting shame and Fiji's continued misery.

wananavu dou maji dou vakacaca ka vakamakama,ka saraga e vinakati tiko oqori.postpone na elections another 10yrs.but bear in mind this is a military govt ruling not a civillian like b4.so we will sit back let you burn and loot after that we step in and bring order to the chaos,then a perfect excuse to rule for another 10 years.then the manhunt begins,a perfect excuse to arrest opponents of govt.

Lets thank Bainimarama for beingstupid to go outside Fiji and hirethese foreign bastards to come toFiji and take out our much neededforeign exchange?Thanks Banimarama the longer you're in Government the worse oureconomy has become? I'm sure thisappointment was done by that racist pofter CJ Anthony Gate.I mean who else would go to south Africa and bring in and old diehard raciest. His job is already made easy for him by theDecrees enacted by the CJ Gate,notKhaiyum as many of you may have thought.Gate is the real bastardsin this regime? Don't you see hisplan? White guy is in control of the Law-CJ,white guy is in charge of the economy(Minister of finance,white guy is the Bank Governor of Fiji;White guy is the Court Prosecuter; white guy is nowthe police commissioner, and he has the ball to prosecute Bainimarama,khaiyum,mosese nd puthis own people in their place? Bai beware of the pofter you're trusting?

OK I'll start off the march-but tell me,the time, the place, andi'll be right there? What if I don't find anybody in the vicinity of the march? Do i just march alone? How about the signs, are there or will i find some at the starting line? Do you mind if i'ma little drunk when i arrieves,cause i'd like to be alittle drunk just to calm my excitement? Could i please be in the frontline, cause i like tofaceoff with people who are assoles and try to fuckup good things? HOPEFULL EVERYONE IN THEMARCH WILL VOTES FOR SODELPA!!!Seriously, please come joint themarch and stop been a worry horsejust show that democracy is comingand give it your full support???

Editor,Before he was to appear in court again for the 7th time since being detained in an Egyptian jail with his Al Jazeera colleagues for over 125 days the Australian journalist Peter Greste said the reaction to their arbitrary detention by the country's military regime has become a powerful symbol of press freedom worldwide,Greste said in a letter he wrote that muzzling the press was "an abuse of basic universally accepted social rights and responsibilities - the right to speak freely and openly coupled with the media's responsibility to question, interrogate and challenge those in power" ( Yahoo!7 News 4/5).Greste couldn't have articulated the idea of free speech and free press more concisely.According to the press freedom watchdog Freedom House latest report a total of 44 percent of the world population lived in areas where the media was "not free" and 42 percent in places where it was "partly free" (Freedom of the Press 2014 Report).What has been the status of the media in Fiji under the Bainimarama military dictatorship?sincerely,Rajend Naidusydney